[nabop] New Discussion Thread

[Lisa Hall]

Hi John,

Welcome to the list. 

As moderator and President of National Association of Blind Office
Professionals, it's good to see you participate on this list. This is
normally a low traffic list anyway.
I am currently working for Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually
Impaired as a braille proofreader.
I really like this job. Our department have been running way behind in
braille production contracts and I am assisting them in getting caught up by
working overtime every other Saturday.
I have started this job on July 10, 2006 and it's been very busy here in
Cincinnati, Ohio.




Lisa Hall, President
National Association of Blind Office Professionals (NABOP)

"It's not over until I win!"--Les Brown

New web page:
http://www.lisa-halls-world.org

Phone: (513) 931-7070

E-mail: lhall007 at cinci.rr.com

MSN I.D.: lhall10 at satx.rr.com (no email at this address)

Skype: lisa120362
 

 

 

 

 


-----Original Message-----
From: nabop-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabop-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of John Doering
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2006 5:40 PM
To: NABOP
Subject: [nabop] New Discussion Thread

Hello,
I would like to start a discussion thread on this list.
My name is John Doering.  I have been looking for work related to my
experience and education since I was laid off in March of 2005.  Below is
part of one of my cover letters, describing my work experience.  All my work
experience below was done while being totally blind.

I spent the last 4 years working for Astronautics Corporation of America in
their Field Services Department. Unfortunately, the company closed the
department.

My position at Astronautics was as a Field Service Coordinator. I handled
contracts for customers such as Everbrite, Panasonic, NCR, GTSI, Titan
formerly BTG, and Planet Gov formerly ITC. We had a worldwide network of
Field Service Technicians that I used to complete jobs sent to me from my
customers. I coordinated the installation of Everbrite Customer Order
Displays in fast food drive thrus. The installation of Panasonic Wireless
Headset Systems, Cashless purchase systems, and complete POS register
systems. Also, PC repair jobs for military and government contracts.

My job included getting the job request from our customer. Making sure the
job was put in our database. Assigning the appropriate technician to the
job. Keeping the customer up to date on the status of each job on a daily
basis. Resolving any problems that occurred in the process of completing the
job. Finally, closing the job with the customer when the job is complete.

I have an excellent knowledge of most MS Office applications. I have
outstanding organizational skills. I can work independently to complete
tasks in a timely manner. Also, my communication skills are very good.

Prior to working for Astronautics, I worked for nearly 10 years for DCI
Marketing in their Telemarketing department. 



As you can see from my work experience, I am looking for a job in the
Customer Service field.  Since being laid off, I have applied for over 300
jobs and have interviewed for at least 2 dozen.  In every case, I have been
rejected or never hear back from the employer.  My follow up calls go
un-returned.  I have received rejection letters that have given some
interesting excuses for not hiring me.  Besides the common, "We have decided
to go with someone more closely qualified for the job than you.", I have
also got excuses like, "We decided to change the job requirements and you no
longer qualify", "The person you were to replace, decided to return to the
position", and my favorite, "You are very qualified, but we are looking for
someone slightly different for the position and have decided not to fill the
position at this time."  Needless to say, I am becoming quite frustrated
with my job search.  I am wondering if anyone else has experience these
types of things and if there was any happy outcomes?

Just for the record, I am working for Industries for the Blind to make ends
meet and am doing okay financially.  The goal is to get a job in my field of
experience and education, with the chance for promotions and raises.



Regards,

JD




John & Annette Doering
Charlie Brown LDB & Murphy
Milwaukee, WI USA
doering at ameritech.net